Morris Arboretum Celebrates 90 Years as a Public Garden With a New Name, New Logo, and More Accessibility
Enjoy Exciting Events Throughout 2023
Philadelphia, PA— The Morris Arboretum is marking 90 years as a public garden with a new name—Morris Arboretum & Gardens.
Our new name harkens back to the original Compton owners, John and Lydia Morris, and their shared vision of a public garden where spectacular trees live in harmony with colorful, beautiful gardens. The Morris Arboretum & Gardens opened to the public on June 4, 1933.
“As we stand on the cusp of our second century, our role as a research institution and a place for joy and healing has never been more critical,” said F. Otto Haas Executive Director Bill Cullina. “Lydia Morris gifted the Arboretum to the University of Pennsylvania so it could become a place for botanical research, horticultural education and public engagement. With the expansion of our research program, educational opportunities for children, students and adults, and a focus on beauty and color in horticultural design, I believe we are celebrating Lydia’s gift in all we do.”
The Morris’s renewed commitment to bringing more color and beauty to the Arboretum will be on display this summer as we reopen our popular Rose Garden and debut a new pop-up garden that is a modern interpretation of the intricate and vibrant flower beds favored by Victorians. Throughout the year, events and programs will celebrate our anniversary, including themed garden tours, fun kids’ activities, and a specially priced community weekend.
90th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
In addition to a new name, logo, and refreshed brand for this anniversary year, visitors to Morris Arboretum & Gardens will see updates to beloved elements, as well as a colorful floral exhibit.
As the enchanting Garden Railway observes 25 years of its model trains chugging along, 300 feet of track is being added. This is the largest expansion of the Garden Railway since it was installed in 1998 and brings the rail line total to a third of a mile. The exhibit’s theme this year is “Public Gardens,” featuring models of structures from public gardens from across the country made from natural materials like acorns, seed pods, and twigs.
The blooms of spring are heralding a beautiful new look for the Rose Garden that brings more accessibility. Bluestone pavers have been installed on the two central axis walkways, making it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to experience the flowers.
Step into an explosion of color this summer as we debut Exuberant Blooms: A Pop-Up Garden. Opening June 24, Exuberant Blooms is a vibrant, immersive display of more than 10,000 plants spread over a quarter acre that showcases plants of varying color, form, height, and shape. Exuberant Blooms is made possible with support from the Powder Mill Foundation and Ball Horticultural Company.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens is celebrating nine decades as a public garden with events and activities sure to delight all ages.
APRIL
- 90 Years of Hidden Gems Tour, April 8
- The Balancing Act of Planned Green Spaces: A Free Virtual Panel, April 19
- Spring Buds & Blooms Tour, April 22
- “What These Trees Have Seen” tour, April 29-30
MAY
- Garden Railway opens with the theme “Public Gardens,” May 26
- Rose Garden reopens with new accessible bluestone pavers
- Historic Springfield Mills Days, May 21
- Bloomin’ Bubbles, Tuesdays from 11 am, May 30 – August 29
JUNE
- Moonlight & Roses fundraising gala, June 2
- Exuberant Blooms: A Pop-Up Garden opens June 24
- Historic Springfield Mills Days, June 25
AUGUST
- Community Weekend with special admission price of $9 per person, August 4 – 6
OCTOBER
- Celebrate the season all month long at Morris ArBOOretum & Gardens
- Scarecrow Walk with the theme “1990s”
- Penn Homecoming/Public Lecture: 90 Years of Connecting Plants, People & Place: Importance of Public Spaces in Times of Upheaval
NOVEMBER
- Holiday Garden Railway opens November 24
To schedule interviews about our 90th Anniversary celebration and events, please call Mellany Armstrong at 610.329.4022 or email at mellanya@upenn.edu.
**Images and video are available at morrisarboretum.org/press-releases.**
For more information, contact Teri Scott, Director of Marketing, at teris@upenn.edu or call 215.247.5777 x 121, cell 215.805.5496.
The Morris Arboretum & Gardens is one of more than 30 Philadelphia gardens in America’s Garden Capital. This 92-acre horticultural display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. The Morris Arboretum & Gardens offers educational programs for many audiences ranging from youth to professional and is a leader in botanical and horticultural research.
100 E Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 / 215.247.5777 / info@morrisarboretum.org